The Paraphrase of Shem is a Gnostic text. It is the first tractate in Codex VII of the Nag Hammadi library. The Coptic manuscript is notable for being one of the best preserved tractates despite its length and for its absence of Christian influence. The text likely was written in Syria in c. 200 AD. It discusses cosmogony, soteriology, and eschatology. Summary Shem's mind is taken to the top of the world and encounters a voice, named Derdekeas (Aramaic for "boy"), that explains the truth about the powers of light, darkness, and spirit. The light overcame the darkness, and the spirit appeared as a gentle light. The darkness took the form of the mind of evil but was later overcome by the appearance of the son of the infinite light. The son of the infinite light appeared in the likeness of the spirit, causing the darkness to become dark to itself and ultimately resulting in the creation of the womb. The darkness and the womb became unchaste, causing the mind to dissolve into the depths of nature and mix with the power of darkness. Nature took the mind and gave it shape, but the spirit of light was burdened by it. Derdekeas prayed to the infinite light and the power of the spirit was increased and filled with its light. The light of the infinite spirit came down to expose the darkness and protect the spirit from the harmful waters, but its light was not equal to the majesty. Derdekeas is a son of majesty who was revealed to bring light to the spirit and prevent nature from ruling over it. He appeared in a cloud of the hymen and gave eternal honor to the members of the darkness so they wouldn't engage in impure activities. This caused the light to shine without deficiency. Derdekeas then took off his garment of light and put on another garment of fire to go down to chaos to save the light. He had a sexual encounter with nature, causing many animals to come out of her. The son appeared in animal form to request the creation of heaven and earth, leading to the creation of nature. He commands nature to give birth, resulting in the production of winds, demons, and powers from the fire, darkness, and spirit. The winds copulate and give birth to all kinds of unchastity, producing barren wives and sterile